To Be Hero Review: A Hilarious Sci-Fi Donghua Gem

In the ever-growing world of donghua, To Be Hero stands out as a bold, unpredictable, and emotionally rich series that combines absurd humor, sci-fi action, and philosophical depth. Released in 2016 by Haoliners Animation League, this Chinese animated series is the brainchild of Li Haoling, a visionary creator known for his work on projects like The King’s Avatar and Flavors of Youth.

Though often overlooked in mainstream anime circles, To Be Hero deserves recognition as one of the most unique and thought-provoking donghua ever produced.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of To Be Hero, exploring its plot, characters, animation style, humor, and why it deserves a place on your watchlist.

Plot Summary: A Toilet Salesman Turned Hero

At first glance, To Be Hero sounds ridiculous — and that’s exactly the point. The series centers around a handsome toilet salesman, a carefree playboy who gets sucked into a bizarre parallel universe and transformed into a fat, middle-aged superhero with extraordinary powers.

His mission? Save the world from mysterious alien invaders. His dilemma? He can’t reveal his identity to his own daughter, who now thinks her dad is missing.

As absurd as the premise is, the show uses this comedic setup to explore deeper themes like parental sacrifice, redemption, and the true meaning of heroism. The balance between toilet jokes and heartfelt moments is part of what makes To Be Hero so refreshing and original.

Characters: Depth Beneath the Absurdity

The cast of To Be Hero is colorful, both literally and figuratively. Let’s take a look at a few of the main characters:

• Old Man/Our Hero: Formerly a narcissistic womanizer, he undergoes major character development as he comes to terms with his new body and responsibilities. His journey from egotism to selflessness is surprisingly touching.
• Min-chan (his daughter): A tough, no-nonsense high schooler, Min is far more mature than her father ever was. Her emotional arc — dealing with loss, identity, and loneliness — grounds the series in reality.
• Alien Villains: Each alien antagonist brings a different flavor to the show, from slapstick to sinister, keeping the pace fast and entertaining.

While exaggerated and cartoonish, the characters are written with unexpected nuance. The relationship between the father and daughter becomes the emotional backbone of the series.

Animation Style: Unconventional and Bold

The animation in To Be Hero is as unorthodox as its story. The style ranges from flash-style animation to fluid, exaggerated action sequences. While it may not appeal to fans of ultra-polished anime visuals, it matches the absurd tone of the show perfectly.

What’s especially interesting is how the show uses contrasting visuals for comedic effect — often switching between art styles mid-scene to enhance a gag or emotion. This flexibility in animation gives To Be Hero a wild, unpredictable energy that few shows can match.

Comedy That Hits Different

At its core, To Be Hero is a comedy series, and it doesn’t hold back. The humor ranges from toilet jokes and slapstick to meta-humor and social satire. If you’re a fan of shows like Gintama, you’ll appreciate the chaotic, rapid-fire comedy that To Be Hero delivers.

But unlike shows that rely solely on jokes, To Be Hero integrates humor into its storytelling, using laughs to disarm viewers before hitting them with unexpectedly deep emotional moments. It’s a rollercoaster of ridiculousness and raw feeling — and that’s what sets it apart.

Themes: More Than Just Laughter

Don’t let the fart jokes fool you — To Be Hero dives into some surprisingly profound territory:

• Parenthood: The heart of the series lies in the relationship between father and daughter. It’s a moving portrayal of what it means to protect, provide, and eventually let go.
• Identity and Transformation: The protagonist’s physical transformation mirrors his internal growth, symbolizing how external appearances can’t define who we truly are.
• Heroism: What makes a person a hero? Power? Appearance? Recognition? Or the willingness to put others before yourself?

These questions elevate To Be Hero beyond its comedic shell, making it a standout in the donghua landscape.

Cultural Blend: East Meets West

Interestingly, To Be Hero was co-produced with a Japanese team, and the show was dubbed in both Mandarin and Japanese upon release. This cross-cultural production brings a mix of Chinese cultural elements and Japanese anime sensibilities, making it accessible and enjoyable to a global audience.

The dialogue is sharp, the references are wide-ranging, and the result is a product that feels both familiar and distinct, whether you’re an anime fan or new to Chinese animation.

Reception and Legacy

When To Be Hero premiered in 2016, it quickly gained a cult following. While some viewers were initially put off by its crude humor and art style, those who stuck with it praised its clever writing and emotional depth.

The series’ success eventually led to a spiritual sequel, To Be Heroine (2018), which further expanded the universe and introduced a new protagonist in a more surreal, dreamlike world.

Today, To Be Hero is considered a gateway donghua for international viewers curious about Chinese animation that doesn’t follow the xianxia or cultivation formula.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Donghua for Open Minds

To Be Hero is not your average anime. It’s messy, weird, hilarious, and surprisingly touching. If you’re looking for something fresh — something that breaks the rules and still delivers a powerful emotional punch — this is the show for you.

While it may not have the polish of big-budget titles, it more than makes up for it with heart, creativity, and raw authenticity.

⭐ Final Rating: 8.5/10
For fans of: Gintama, Mob Psycho 100, FLCL

Bonus Tip: Where to Watch

You can stream To Be Hero legally on:

• Bilibili (with English subtitles)
• Crunchyroll (in select regions)
• YouTube (via AniOne or official Haoliners uploads)

Support the official release and help donghua grow globally!